On the Old West Side
This article is from the archive of The New York Sun before the launch of its new website in 2022. The Sun has neither altered nor updated such articles but will seek to correct any errors, mis-categorizations or other problems introduced during transfer.
New York City Ballet’s “West Side Story Suite” has the comforting effect of a tonic. For this short work, Jerome Robbins patched together some of the dances from his 1957 musical and made a compact version for the ballet stage. Watching the City Ballet dancers in such uncharacteristic roles is fun in itself. But on top of that you have a version of the incomparable musical – its glorious music, book, and spirit – with an extra emphasis on dance. It’s just an entirely pleasurable, easy piece to watch.
On Wednesday night, Benjamin Millepied danced as Tony, and played up the character’s lonely side in the “Somewhere” solo. Mr. Millepied is an earnest actor, but a better dancer. He brushes through the choreography, sweeping his arms beautifully overhead and searching for whatever is coming his way. He did not sing; Rob Lorey came to the side of the stage to perform “Somewhere” while Mr. Millepied danced.
Damian Woetzel is natural as a leader, so his Riff has a commanding quality, even though in jeans and a T-shirt he looks rather slight. His voice is strong enough to carry the short tunes he had to sing. Jenifer Ringer made for a wonderful, highly confident Anita, whipping her skirt and getting fully into the sassy character. She’s also a decent singer, and she gave such verve to the rooftop song about Puerto Rico.
As the leader of the Sharks, James Fayette wasn’t a huge presence on the stage, which is unusual for him. He was at his best during the school dance scene, with Ms. Ringer at his side. In this version the dance scene has a great deal of pop and color because of the richness of the costumes – hot pinks and oranges are set against the dark black stage. Visually, it’s a cotton candy moment, but choreographically, it makes a serious impact.
One corps boy who stands out is Amar Ramasar. His body seems particularly well-suited to Robbins choreography. If an upward stretch is called for, he really reaches. If a fist is required, he might punch something. I especially like to watch him doing those little Robbins running steps, with arms and knees bent and moving strongly forward.
He’s got character, and he gets to really use it in works like this.
“West Side Story Suite” will be performed again February 6 (Lincoln Center, 212-870-5570).
